Nigeria Apologises Over Burkina Faso Military Flight Incident
Nigeria has officially expressed regret to Burkina Faso following an incident involving a Nigerian military jet that led to the detention of 11 servicemen.
Background of the Incident
– Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, visited Burkina Faso to address the situation.
– The military jet was en route to Portugal when it suffered a technical malfunction, necessitating an unscheduled landing in Burkinabè airspace.
– According to the Nigerian Air Force, this unauthorized landing ignited a diplomatic dispute with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Diplomatic Tensions
– The AES deemed the incident an unfriendly act, prompting member states to place their air forces on high alert. They were granted authority to neutralise any aircraft breaching their airspace.
– The three AES nations, currently governed by military regimes, have distanced themselves from the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, and have grown closer to Russia, contrasting with the pro-West stance of other Ecowas members.
Nigerian Government’s Response
– Minister Tuggar acknowledged the irregularities concerning the overflight authorisations, expressing regret over the situation during a national broadcast.
– His spokesperson confirmed that the detained servicemen have been released and are scheduled to return to Nigeria, though details on timing remain unclear.
Moving Forward
– Both Nigeria and Burkina Faso have committed to sustain regular consultations and to pursue measures aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and regional integration.
– Reports indicate that the military personnel, described as being in high spirits, are preparing for their return along with the aircraft.
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